A Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
Building a brighter future for blind students across the state!
Are You:
• Interested in student affairs
• A parent of a blind or low vision student
• A blind or low vision student
• Provides opportunities through events for networking with other blind students in Michigan and across the country
• Learn Advocacy Skills
• Leadership growth and opportunities for your resume
• Mentoring by other blind students
• $5 per year
To learn more about what we do and to join any of our zoom meetings as a guest to see if MIABS is a good fit for you contact:
President Jeffery Crouch – miabs-president@outlook.com
Membership Co-Ordinator Danielle Agajan – miabs-membership@outlook.com or by text or call at (269)454-9095
This Is a national event for all, but it is a huge opportunity for students, as we speak to congress about legislation for blind Americans. Students get the chance to network with other students from around the country. Our division works closely with our members to get as many prospective interested parties to the seminar as possible with financial assistance. A truly memorable experience that they will never forget and return to year after year.
This event is specifically for students and those interested in student affairs. Students gather from around the Midwest in Chicago Illinois, for a weekend of camaraderie and learning. We are taught about advocacy pertaining to education, employment and transportation. As well as having the chance to network with other students across the Midwest and the agencies that are there to help students as they travel through their learning environment. Just like with Washington Seminar, our division works with our members to help as many interested participants attend, with financial assistance.
The largest gathering of blind people in the country, this weeklong event is open to all and a great opportunity for mentorship. There are various interest groups, opportunities for networking, social gatherings and tons of fun to be had. It has the largest exhibit hall showcasing the latest in assistive technology. The location changes year to year and not only does the division try to assist with financial assistance, but the state affiliate and national office do as well. It is an experience that builds networking, mobility, social circles and memories, building momentum for what comes next.
A smaller gathering than the National Convention. Our State Convention allows members from across the state of Michigan to gather and discuss issues facing blind individuals in our state, what our organization is doing in the upcoming year, as well as what we accomplished during the previous year leading up to convention. It also allows for mini educational breakout sessions, socializing and fun interactive events during the weekend. Enjoyed by all who attend, it is a chance to advocate and educate, while building friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Our division offers online virtual events each month to keep our membership engaged and active. On top of our normal business meetings, committee meetings and live streams, we also offer online events so the membership can get together, have fun and build relationships with their fellow students. Whether it be online karaoke, game night, or solving mysteries. We never run out of fun and engaging ideas to bring our members together for a night of fun, laughter, treats and occasional prizes. Our division also works hard to provide in person events from small scale get-togethers, like our most recent All Hearts Align Brunch, to our larger get-togethers where we learn advocacy, orientation and mobility, technology skills and so much more. Just like our virtual events we provide our in-person events at little to no cost for our members.
Whether we are offering financial support, technical assistance, or just someone to talk to, being a part of MIABS opens doors that you may not know where there before. It’s a great place to learn, grow and feel supported as you embark on your individual journey of blindness. We would love to help you cultivate the path to your future and learn that Blindness is not the characteristic that defines you, or your future.